BackPacking: Aloguinsan

A year ago, I already eyed this town after I have seen it in local magazine show - MagTV Na! The idea of paddling in a banca and cruising along the river is something I could not resist. So, when I returned from the upper side of the world, I hooked up with my friends and set out a South Cebu Adventure.

We took a bus going to Pinamungajan for a late morning ride, traversing the mountainous path with heavy rain (there was a typhoon at that time!) yet kudos to local government as the road was well cemented and no bumps! From Pinamungajan, we took a tricycle ride going to the next town Aloguinsan.

We rented a two-room bachelors pad unit and it was spacious enough for the five of us. We wasted no time and headed out to Hidden Beach. True to its name, it was so damn hidden! We have to traverse a rice field from the highway and to a mini forest. We were quite lost actually as we could not see any hint of sea or sand just trees, mud and rice field. Good thing there was a small signage that guide us that we were in a right path.

Hidden Beach

When we saw the beach, it was breathtaking! The trek was worth it. The powdery white sand, the rock formation, the scenic view and the best of all there was NO OTHER PEOPLE ! And we can enjoy the area with so much gusto! There was the unending click of our cameras and a lot of writings on the sand. The beach was still on its natural beauty and unspoiled. It was the best!
We spent there for an hour or two before we head back home as the heaven is threatening for another surge of rainfall. But before the night fall, we went to another tourist spot - the Balaurte. It is a heritage park just near from our rented place and situated on a cliff. It was overlooking towards the sea and a nice dating place for lovers! (We even disturbed one couple during the height of their sizzling scene! LOL!). After that fun day, we spent the night on the pad with booze, cards and truth and dare, earning us a knock from the next door with our boisterous voices!

Bird Watching

 The next day we set out early for the real gem of Aloguinsan – the Bird Watching and Bojo River Trekking. We were met by our tour guide - a local, who used to be fisherman but now working as local guide. The first thing that we did after a short walk going to our location was a talk imparting a socio-ecological knowledge on our trip. It was a simple discussion of ecosystem and stresses out the importance of birds, fishes and other living things that surrounds the area and how they co-habit each other. This is one of the things I like about the trip as the local community does not only offer fun activities but imparting responsibility and knowledge towards the tourist in their own little ways.

After the discussion, our binoculars and cameras were ready. We went for a boardwalk and set out to haunt birds not to kill them but ogle them on their natural habitat. It was a refreshing experience as I haven’t tried this before. It was a long trek and our final point was on top of the mountain overseeing the river down below and the other side of the mountain.

The sweet fresh air and the sound of the birds is a perfect getaway from the city life. We learned later that we can actually spend the night on that place. We can set up a bonfire and sharing scary stories while we listen to the echoes of the nameless animals! (It was one of our regrets actually!)

After that bird watching and a sort like mountain trekking, we head down towards our main cottage and we were caught off guard as we were met by song and dance from the town’s folks. Local Visayan Song (And I remember immediately my father!) were being rendered while we ate our sumptuous breakfast of native delicacies drowned in HOT CHOCO! It was Heaven on Earth!

Bojo River

After that delight, we were now ready for the river after they perform a native dance called “Pa-aso”- a local tradition for fishermen before going out to the sea. I was excited when I jumped in to cruise the Bojo River as this is a dream come true. I was like a child, venturing out for a new experience and can’t believe I waited for one year to experience this reality.

True enough, the scenery was spellbinding! The river was perfect and the nature was in its finest beauty!           I was lost and hypnotize by the place while half listening to our tourguide. The river led us to an open sea where we jump for a swim. I take out my life jacket to fully enjoy the water! There was a strong current near the mouth of the sea but it was safe because our guides were always there to help us out. We spent so much time on the area and were just amazed. We enjoyed swimming as our guides relate some epics and legends on the formation of the rocks recalling a Diwata who used to live there.

When we went back, I thought the surprise ends but it was topped by another surprise, the food for our lunch was superb and amazing! The P600 that we paid for the whole tour was not really enough to compensate on what we have experienced. We were transported to a paradise and met by wonderful people who made our unforgettable weekend.

We promised to go back to the town of Aloguinsan to experience once more the paradise they offered. They told us that within the year they will open their new offering of dolphin watching! And I can’t wait to be back there to live again the heaven on earth!